What is BB cream and how to use it
BB cream is an excellent alternative to numerous skin care products, because in addition to many caring properties, it also has a toning effect. One jar of cream marked BB will noticeably free your bathroom shelf, replacing a whole arsenal of skincare and tinting cosmetics.
What it is
Every girl should know what BB cream is and what it is for. In short, this is something between a foundation and a moisturizing base.
BB first appeared in Germany in the 1950s, although Asia is believed to be its homeland. It was invented by Christina Schrammeck, whose brand is now Dr. Schrammek. "BB" is short for Blemish Base, Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm Cream. Translated means "cream against imperfections." It was used in hospitals on the wounds of patients after laser surgery, so that scars and scars were less visible. Thus, one can guess the unique hiding power of the cream - it does not lie like a mask, but rather merges with the skin tone, masking imperfections.
However, the remedy gained popularity only a few years ago - by the end of 2014, every self-respecting company had its own BB cream. And Rimmel London and Maybelline New York were the first to create entire lines of these creams.
The BB cream provides a light tinted finish. It looks more like a foundation or makeup base than a full-fledged foundation - because of the light texture and low density. Therefore, it is often used to match the tone for evening outings or photo shoots, as well as together with powder for a light everyday option.
Cosmetologists also claim that the cream has healing properties - evens out the skin texture, restores and softens more. BB creams often contain various vitamins, minerals and cosmetic oils. However, it is precisely the healing properties of these creams that are still in question.
This tinting agent will perfectly serve those who want to mask the vascular network, capillaries, redness and post-acne, even out the relief and skin tone without the effect of a mask and protect it from the sun.
BB cream has three brothers - alphabetic creams CC, DD and EE.
The main difference between a CC cream and a BB cream is that it heals.
Not only actively hides redness, pigmentation, acne and post-acne, but also fights them. Refers to care products, not tonal foundations. It applies well and is easy to blend, adjusts to the skin tone - however, it has a smaller amount of masking pigments, due to which the coating comes out less dense.
DD-cream differs from BB in that it is designed to mask the first signs of aging.
In general, it can be called an improved version of "sisi" - the same cream, only with an anti-aging effect. It has a cumulative effect and is not suitable for oily skin with a lot of inflammation.
EE-creams - Extra Exfoliating, "extra peeling".
It contains mineral granules, oatmeal, algae and bamboo particles.. And yes, it is rather a peeling cream for deep cleansing of the skin (exfoliation of dead skin particles, removal of age spots and lightening of black spots) and is not suitable for daily appearance and use for sensitive and thin skin. However, if you use the product two or three times a week, you can notice an improvement in complexion due to lightening and smoothness of tone, cleansing of black dots. It has a pronounced detox effect. Also, like BB, it protects against ultraviolet radiation, but does not suit dark skin and ladies who dream of a dark tan.
In the video below, the beautician talks about BB cream and its features.
Compound
When choosing a cream in terms of composition, you should pay attention to parabens and silicones - the less of them, the better.
Some chemicals improve the application and storage of the product, but unfortunately there are also harmful ones. For example, alcohols (ethyl alcohol, ethanol or alcohol) dry out the skin. Silicones (Silicone) are safe if their concentration in the product does not exceed 50%. You should also know that the higher a particular component is in the composition, the more it is in the product. Mineral oil (mineral oil) - a product of oil refining. Clogs pores and prevents skin from breathing. Paraben (parabens) - preservatives (butyl, ethyl, methyl paraben), the same situation as with silicones. Hypoallergenic cream is an excellent remedy for sensitive skin.
When it comes to the positive and natural components of the composition, then you can find BB creams that contain:
- Anti-aging ingredients, peptides and antioxidants, vitamins A, E and C. A separate place in cosmetics for mature skin plays snail extract. Snail cosmetics are gaining popularity, and BB cream manufacturers have not bypassed this ingredient. The so-called "creams with a snail" allow you to smooth out wrinkles, even out skin tone, and nourish it.
- Also, do not ignore creams that contain grape stem cells, collagen, hyaluronic acid, pearls, elastin. They are responsible for moisturizing and softness of the skin.
- Additional nutrients e.g. ginseng, green tea, shea butter, jojoba and others, allantoin, panthenol - the choice is huge.
- Licorice and arbutin which help to even out skin tone;
- In creams with reflective particles the glow effect is given by various mineral pigments;
- Silicone based components such as dimethicone, crosspolymer, which help to smooth the skin, even out its relief, act as a base and are responsible for the distribution of the product;
- SPF - UV protection, with SPF 20 and above. This effect is enhanced by zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Varieties
There are a huge number of types of creams, including BB. As a rule, they differ in texture, application, specificity and place of application. Yes, yes, exactly, tinting creams are used not only on the face - if desired, they can block bruises and abrasions, postoperative traces. The main thing is to choose the right tool.
For face
According to the specifics, these creams are divided into:
- Mattifying. Ideal for oily and combination skin, especially in summer. As a rule, they contain absorbent substances that can absorb excess sebum.They create the effect of perfectly matte skin, but, unfortunately, only for two or three hours - after that it is advised to use matting wipes and special anti-shine powder.
- Moisturizers. Despite the fact that BB creams initially contain moisturizing ingredients, dry skin requires additional nutrition - a dose of vitamin A or E, vegetable oils. Designed to hide peeling and even fight them.
- With reflective particles for a natural, healthy-looking glow. Not suitable for oily and problematic skin, as the artificial glow will merge with the natural luster of such skin and it will look completely unaesthetic. However, for dry and normal skin, the most it is - both daily and in combination with a highlighter and blush for going out.
By texture:
- Liquid. The most common texture, and for bibs is the default.
- cushions. New from South Korea. This is such a sponge with liquid contents inside. When pressing on it, the right amount of foundation is released, which is required to be applied to the skin with driving movements.
The viscous and liquid bibi cream lays down in a very thin layer. Suitable for any type of skin, except for problematic, as obvious pimples will not hide; allows the skin to breathe even in summer. It is produced both with a moisturizing effect, and with a matting or light-reflecting particles.
For body
In order to look amazing, it is not enough to take care of the skin of the face. Hands, feet, every part of our body needs some care. Scrubs and nourishing creams are actively used by the fair sex around the world, but few people know that There are also tonal products for the skin of the body. Including BB creams. Remember what they were originally used for. That's right, to mask scars and scars. Now tattoos and allergic redness, bruises have been added to this list.
BB body creams will hide unwanted bruises and scratches, scars from operations and recent allergies or walking with insects.
However, the choice of body cream should be taken carefully - in the literal sense, because it can stain clothes and everything around.
BB creams will even out skin tone without tanning, hide freckles and moles - often come with the mark "9 or 10 in 1". They have their own SPF.
How to choose
When choosing a BB cream, you should pay special attention to its shade - as a rule, these products have a small range of predominantly warm undertones.
This can be a problem for whites or darker ones, as the darkest shades in BB cream are similar to the medium beiges in most foundation lines. Good light colors are a real rarity among bibs. Therefore, before buying, be sure to use testers - apply a couple of drops to your fingertips and cover the neck / cheekbones. Go outside and look in the mirror. The test is not recommended on the arm, as the skin there is usually darker.
Another limitation is that you won't find a BB cream to treat acne. Since according to the standards of the cosmetic industry, it is impossible to combine active anti-inflammatory and sunscreen ingredients in one foundation. To remove redness or slightly visually reduce acne, a corrector of the corresponding color, applied directly under the tone, will help.
If you want to get an anti-aging effect, then BB cream with hyaluronic acid is an excellent option for aging skin.
Cosmetologists believe that BB cream is best used by ladies with normal or oily skin, combination, with an average skin tone. Despite the fact that this tool is often called "all in one" (all in one), it will not work for girls with a lot of inflammation and acne, as it does not have antiseptic properties.
This is a great tool for the summer.
In the warm season, the skin needs to breathe, and it’s absolutely not worth clogging the pores with heavy tonal products - moreover, at the most inopportune moment they can “leak”, ruining a summer walk. Stop your choice on a light bibishka, and set aside foundation creams and mousses for the winter - because just then, perhaps, the density of the BB cream will not be enough for you. For dark skin, SPF sun protection should be around 10-15, and for fair skin - 25.
For oily or combination, mixed, you need a cream with a matte effect. Most often, the owners of such skin suffer from enlarged pores, so you need a remedy that evens out the relief.
For dry skin, moisturizing is very important - BiBishki with vitamins E and A and base oils will come in handy.
Girls with normal skin should be guided by their preferences - they want a light glow or perfect matte, hide pores or add shine. SPF must be present in any case.
Manufacturers
BB creams are a very lucrative niche in the cosmetics market and are gaining more and more attention.. Now in any cosmetic or online store you can find a tinting cream that is right for you.It can be a native of both Japanese cosmetics (Missha, Secret Key, Mizon, Holika-Holika, Tony Moly), and Belarusian (Belita Vitex), European or American (Shiseido, Lancome, Hydra Zen, Max Factor, Guerlain, Revlon, Clarins , Bioderma, Collistar, Payot and many others).
However, before buying any product, you should carefully study the composition, promises of manufacturers and reviews - after all, no matter what company is popular and promoted, everyone's skin is different.
Overview of popular firms
brand Estee Lauder famous for producing the world's first EE cream. It combines plant extracts and light-reflecting pigments. It also has wonderful BBs in the line - for example, Day Wear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Creme with SPF 35. Claimed as a toning, moisturizing cream with antioxidants. Not suitable for snow whites, too dark and yellowish for them.
Hides minor imperfections - mimic wrinkles, peeling, slight inflammation and redness. Not suitable for hot weather, as it accentuates skin irregularities at high temperatures.
Watch videos on the topic.
Dior provides natural light coverage, very similar to Asian creams. Dior's Diorskin Nude BB Creme uses a formula that adapts to your skin tone. It is not felt on the face, it is invisible even from a distance. Ideal for owners of snow-white skin, as it has light shades in the palette. In addition, it has sun protection 10.
The slogan of this line is completely true - the perfect tone and radiance of the skin.
You can watch a video review of BB cream from DIOR below.
Dr Jart. The bb creams from them are simply amazing, noticeably different from others in their texture and feel on the face.Launched in UK in 2012. The brand offers several different formulas, but Dr.Jart+ Silver Label Rejuvenating BB cream literally blew up the market. Five plus hides redness and post-acne marks. However, it does not matte - it has a luminous finish. SPF 35.
Video review of BB cream by DR. JART, you can see below.
Clinique Age Defense BB Cream. The most amazing sun protection in this cream is SPF 40! It does not feel on the face at all, does not lie like a mask, and, importantly, is suitable for problem skin. The cream should be shaken before use - it is very liquid. The company produces three shades, and each of them adapts perfectly to the skin tone.
Video review on BB cream from CLINICQUE, you can see below.
How to use
If you have ever used foundation, then the question of how to properly apply BB cream will not be difficult for you.
It is applied in the same way as any foundation. First of all, you need to use a light moisturizer, wait a couple of minutes until it is absorbed. If your skin is closer to oily, you should consider buying a mattifying primer or base that hides pores. There are several ways to apply BB cream:
- fingers. In this case, you need to apply a couple of small peas of cream on the fingertips and wait a couple of seconds - the cream will take on body temperature and lie better on your face.
- Sponge. In this case, the product is applied to the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose and distributed by them.
- brush. The same amount of cream is squeezed onto the upper part of the left palm, a small amount is collected with a wide flat brush and distributed over the skin.
Whatever method you choose, remember that the cream is applied first to the T-zone (nose and bridge of the nose), then to the U-zone (chin and cheekbones, cheeks). After that, you should proceed to the point masking of imperfections - with driving movements, apply the cream on redness or pigmentation, bruises under the eyes. You can use blush or highlighter/bronzer if you like. All makeup is set with powder.
It is necessary to wash off the BB cream with a specialized lotion, milk, micellar water or oil - any basic, hydrophilic or two-phase agent.
In any case, the makeup remover is applied to a cotton pad (soaked in warm water, if we are talking about oil), which wipes the face several times.
Rating
Garnier BB cream The secret to perfection for oily or combination skin has really blown up the market. Its huge plus is that it was created as a universal product - a base for makeup, moisturizer or foundation. It is able to cope with pigmentation and redness, smooth the skin texture and hide pores, give it a light shade due to a slight lightening of problem areas. Moisturizes and mattifies for up to four hours, has SPF 20. Also, which is important, it is completely budgetary - it costs about 300 rubles. One of the best in its price range.
The most popular body BB is Urban Decay's Naked Skin Beauty Balm. It has a liquid texture and is like a body lotion, laying on the skin in a smooth, dense layer. Sold in one shade - quite dark at first sight. However, the cream perfectly adapts to the skin tone due to light-reflecting particles. Makes her shine. Bright bruises and freckles will not hide, but the tone will even out. Has sun protection 20.
Bobbi Brown impresses with a range of shades - there is definitely a cream for your skin tone. Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40 is a great all-around everyday option. It offers UVA and UVB protection and is long lasting. Available in a bottle with a dropper.
Reviews
BB Clinique Age Defense features a powdery matte finish. However, despite this, it does not really fight fat content - in the summer, after three to four hours, shine already appears on the T-zone. Economical and easy to layer, hides acne. It evens out the skin texture, however, it can sink into wrinkles. It does not emphasize peeling and keeps quite adequately on oily and problem skin. The packaging is not the most convenient, as the neck gets dirty quickly, and at the end of use it is difficult to get the product.
La Roche Posay Hydreane BB Cream. Ideal for sensitive skin; includes thermal water and focuses on moisturizing the skin and giving it an even tone. The non-greasy texture also works well as a spot corrector for pimples and breakouts. By the way, customers express dissatisfaction with the texture - it is too dense for BB, makes the tool look like a foundation. When applying, it is better to use a sponge - otherwise it may fall into pores and wrinkles.
Gives the skin a moist glow, which is completely unsuitable for owners of oily type. Emphasizes peeling.
Ren's Satin Perfection has very mixed reviews. On the one hand, it contains excellent anti-aging ingredients, antioxidants, no silicones, a natural matte finish and SPF15. On the other hand, under different lighting, the tone looks different - sometimes it turns yellow, sometimes it turns red, the coverage is not the best, it can fall into the pores and be felt on the skin.
A normal option for going to a convenience store, but not for an important event or every day.
Omorovicza Complexion Perfector BB is an option for fair-skinned girls. Has SPF 20 and a whipped, mousse-like consistency. Great for age fair skin with a pink undertone - but only this. Finding it is not so easy - because Omorovicza is a relatively young Hungarian company.
It is claimed that the origin of the bb-cream is Asian. In translation, its name means "balm for the main imperfections of the skin surface." Its appearance is associated with the creation of a special balm that improves the healing of epidermal wounds after plastic and surgical operations. This remedy was brought from Asia. It had miraculous properties, hiding scars, redness and other obvious signs of damage to the skin.